Friday’s February 9 NBA trade deadline (all times AEDT) is fast approaching.
While a few big trade dominoes have already fallen, there’s still several big-name stars that could be on the move and teams looking to shake things up otherwise.
And so we’ve come up with one mock (but realistic) trade for all 30 teams ahead of Friday’s cut off to make roster changes for the second half of the season.
Watch an average of 9 NBA Regular Season games per week LIVE on ESPN, available via Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >
LeBron stars as Lakers down Knicks | 01:18
To keep things simple, we haven’t included pick protections, swaps or gone in depth with which picks specifically are being moved. However all picks moved are legally owned by that team (in any future draft), and all trades work from a salary cap perspective.
Read on for foxsports.com.au’s mock trade for all 30 NBA teams (*all stats and records accurate at the time of writing on 6th of February).
ATLANTA HAWKS
Hawks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins
Warriors receive: Clint Capela, AJ Griffin, second-round pick
The shake-up both teams need? The Hawks take a punt on Jonathan Kuminga and Andrew Wiggins despite Kuminga’s career not yet living up to his Pick 7 draft spot and Wiggins falling away dramatically since Golden State’s 2022 title run. In fact, Wiggins’ four-year, $109 million contract is now basically a negative asset, so Atlanta is almost doing the Warriors a favour by taking him off their books and creating flexibility. Not only would it provide a different dynamic and much needed perimeter defence to to Atlanta’s current mix, but also the ability to commit to a youth movement at some stage — so the Hawks almost hedge their bets here. They also stay the course with Dejounte Murray, despite all signs pointing to a trade, and instead try and retool the roster around him and Trae Young. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, head coach Quin Snyder is pushing the Hawks front office to keep Murray, too. Despite previously being linked to trades, a Clint Capela move hasn’t gained any traction in the lead into this deadline, even though Atlanta has the veteran and Onyeka Okongwu locked in a time share at centre. But with Capela not helping the team win, holding back Okongwu from reaching his potential and being marginalised himself, it makes a lot of sense for Atlanta to trade Capela and adjust other parts of its roster (though his latest injury setback may complicate matters). The Warriors probably push to get a first-round pick instead of a second rounder, but this solves a lot of their problems — both short and long-term.
BOSTON CELTICS
Celtics receive: Alex Caruso, second-round pick
Bulls receive: Prayton Pritchard, Svi Mykhailiuk, two first-round picks
Despite the huge price, a move that would really tip over Boston as the clear championship favourite (if it isn’t already). Though some big man insurance for Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford would also be nice, Pritchard is the only roster spot the Celtics could still use an upgrade. Adding Caruso would add more size and double down on their already elite perimeter defence with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White and create a truly formidable backcourt in the playoffs. Even if he’s only a role player, Caruso wouldn’t come cheap as one of the most courted players in the league, so Boston would need to pay up to secure the defensive stud – even if two first rounders seems like an inordinate price. Plus, the Bulls, despite being potential deadline sellers, could just as easily hold Caruso unless the right deal comes along, so the onus is on other teams to make an offer they can’t refuse.
Golden State power past Grizzlies | 00:42
BROOKLYN NETS
Nets receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Spencer Dinwiddie, two first-round picks, second-round pick
With it becoming hard to trust Ben Simmons to stay on the floor and Spencer Dinwiddie being more of a scoring guard, the Nets are clearly crying out for a true playmaker to assist their arsenal of wings. Plus, it doesn’t appear Brooklyn is yet willing to go down the full rebuild route – a direction it could’ve taken after trading away Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. With Murray, on a modest $18 million deal, the Nets get a proper gauge of how good this team can be in the second half of the season before they can always reset over the US summer, if needed. It’s no secret the Hawks have been shopping Murray, their most appealing trade asset, despite handing over three first rounders to acquire him from San Antonio two years ago. Murray’s pairing with Trae Young simply hasn’t worked, with Atlanta sitting a whole five games below .500, as the team now looks to flip him by the deadline. Considering this season is a write off for the Hawks, the obvious move would be to deal him for draft picks — with reports claiming Atlanta wants at least two first rounders back in any deal — and an appealing expiring contract like Dinwiddie’s $20 million deal to open up cap space for next off-season.
CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Hornets receive: Davis Bertans, first-round pick
Thunder receive: PJ Washington
Having already parted ways with Terry Rozier, the aim for the Hornets at the deadline should be selling their veterans – ideally Gordon Hayward and Kyle Lowry – for draft picks or long-term assets otherwise. However getting off Hayward ($31 million) and Lowry’s ($29 million) contracts and getting something in return would be tricky, making them more buyout candidates unless another team gets desperate. It makes Miles Bridges and Washington more likely trade candidates given they have real value. Here, Charlotte takes on Davis Bertans’ $17 million deal, which has reportedly been reworked next season to just over $5 million guaranteed, in exchange for PJ Washington and a first-round pick. Sure, Washington has proven to be a solid piece, but it might be the ideal time to capitalise on is his trade value given he doesn’t appear to be part of the Hornets’ future core. It continues Charlotte’s commitment to a proper rebuild and to its long-term future under new management, where everyone bar LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams should be available for trade.
CHICAGO BULLS
Bulls receive: Evan Fournier, Quintin Grimes, first-round pick, second-round pick
Knicks receive: DeMar DeRozan
The number one goal for the Bulls at the deadline should’ve been parting ways with LaVine’s mega contract (in year two of a $215 million, five-season deal). But that’s now highly unlikely given teams wouldn’t be willing to give much up at all to acquire the two-time All-Star. In fact, given LaVine’s injury history, Chicago would probably now need to attach assets to a deal, so it’s probably wiser to wait on that front. And so trading DeRozan becomes the next priority given his impending free agency status and it being unlikely he’s a part of the Bulls’ long-term future. A trade with the Knicks, a reported suitor for DeRozan and in need of additional scoring/playmaking after trading RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, could be ideal given New York’s wide collection of picks. Plus, Fournier’s $18 million deal is extra valuable as it has a team option for next season, so Chicago could use it as a trade in the off-season if it wanted. Grimes meanwhile comes cheap and fits into the age demographic with the likes of Pat Williams and Coby White.
Reaves takes out Celtics in Lakers win | 01:34
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Cavaliers receive: DeAndre Hunter
Hawks receive: Caris LeVert, two second-round picks
As good an addition as Max Strus has been, the Cavs are reportedly still looking for a 3-and-D players, so moving one of their depth players, like LeVert (who’s expendable after the emergence of Sam Merrill and their most movable salary if they try something bold), for a true upgrade on the wing feels like the most profitable move. It might be tough to convince Atlanta to part ways with former Pick 4 Hunter for any package that doesn’t include a first-round pick, however Cleveland doesn’t have any first-rounders it can move, and LeVert offers value in his own right and would give Atlanta more flexibility to trade Dejounte Murray. There’s also been suggestions the Cavaliers could consider blowing up their star core given the team bizarrely got rolling when both Evan Mobley and Darius Garland were sidelined, however seems more likely they wait and see how the team functions when healthy again before trying anything drastic.
DALLAS MAVERICKS
Mavericks receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Grant Williams, Richaun Holmes, Jaden Hardy, first-round pick
Whether it’s now or in the off-season, the Mavericks clearly need to make a move — namely an upgrade at power forward — so Kyle Kuzma should be their main priority in terms of who’s available. Kuzma would provide size, rebounding and another true scorer alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving who can create his own shot. Though Kuzma doesn’t exactly help the Mavericks’ defensive issues, he’d raise the overall floor of this team and a make it a bigger threat in the Western Conference. If the Mavs can get away with dealing Grant Williams, whose first season with the team has been underwhelming, instead of Tim Hardaway Jr. (they’d likely need to off-load at least one) for a meaningful addition to their rotation, that’d be a win.
DENVER NUGGETS
Nuggets receive: Quintin Grimes
Knicks receive: Julian Strawther, second-round pick
After losing Bruce Brown and Jeff Green last off-season, there’s both a void of leadership and general veteran talent off the Denver bench. And so the Nuggets would ideally add another piece at little cost — both in terms of trade and salary — that can help them in the playoffs. Grimes ($2 million deal) ticks both those boxes, having shown promising signs at the Knicks as a clear upgrade on Strawther. Why would New York do it? Reports have claimed Grimes is disgruntled with his role, while they add other long-term assets to help make a move for a big-name superstar. It’s most likely the reigning champs stand still at the deadline given there’s not many levers they can pull. The Nuggets aren’t trading any of their starters, and Reggie Jackson’s $5 million deal is their next most movable piece. However Jackson has been an important sixth man for Mike Malone’s team this season and valuable insurance whenever any of their starters get hurt, plus the guard is on a modest deal. It’s also tricky for Denver to upgrade Jackson without also sending out one of its starters. If the Nuggets somehow finds a way to make a move, expect it to be on the periphery.
Maxey leads 76ers with 51-point haul | 01:16
DETROIT PISTONS
Pistons receive: Kevin Huerter, Davion Mitchell, first-round pick, second-round pick
Kings receive: Bojan Bogdanovic, Killian Hayes
The Pistons last trade deadline weren’t prepared to part ways with Bogdanovic, one of their few reliable and consistent performers. But amid another another horror season for Detroit, who has the worst record in the NBA and suffered the longest losing streak in the team’s history, you have to wonder if that might have shifted. If the Pistons can get a first-round pick for Bogdanovic, 34, a useful rotation player like Huerter or Harrison Barnes and a young player like Davion Mitchell, it’s a good deal for Detroit from a long-term perspective. There would of course be no shortage of suitors for the Croatian forward if indeed he was available. Killian Hayes meanwhile reportedly wants out of Detroit, and a fresh start elsewhere for the former Pick 7 is probably best for both parties. The Pistons should otherwise be open to anything and everything — perhaps bar moving Cade Cunningham — with an emphasise on adding long-term assets in a bid to dig the franchise out of its current mess.
GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
Warriors receive: Nikola Vucevic, Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Chris Paul, Terrence Jackson-Davis, two first-round picks
The last The Warriors are desperate for an upgrade at centre and shake-up at large, so here they get help in multiple areas in a final bid to make things work in Steph Curry’s prime. A line-up of Vucevic, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Caruso and Steph Curry would be fascinating, with Vucevic and Caruso providing big boosts both ends of the floor. The question is, would it be enough to make the 20-24 Warriors a genuine contender again? Giving up such draft capital and Paul’s $30 million contract — essentially an expiring deal — would be an all-out commitment to winning over prioritising the future. But so long as the Warriors have Curry, they’re committed to winning, aren’t they? If Golden State doesn’t try something bold, this season has arguably reached a point where the team is better off standing still and waiting until the off-season to reassess its direction instead of making a trade for the sake of it.
HOUSTON ROCKETS
Rockets receive: Mikal Bridges
Nets receive: Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Jock Landale, three first-round picks
Reports state the Rockets asked the question of Mikal Bridges and made an offer of multiple first-round picks, however the Nets showed no interest in moving the star forward. But what if Houston made an offer the Nets couldn’t refuse? The Rockets could sell the idea of a combination of win-now pieces, long-term assets and avoiding the need to bottom out – which the Nets have wanted to steer clear from. Former Pick 2 Green is still just 21 and could be anything, Eason, 22, is one of the brightest young players in the NBA and Landale offers insurance behind Nic Claxton, who’s on an expiring deal. It’s some price, but would immediately raise the floor of Ime Udoka’s team with a potent big three of Bridges, Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. Ironically, the Nets still owe the Rockets future picks from the infamous James Harden trade in 2021. Having reportedly been in the market for a backup centre, the Rockets already made a move last week. They off-loaded Victor Oladipo and a very of second-round picks for the injured Steven Adams, who will serve as Sengun’s backup next season, casting more uncertainty around Landale’s future in Houston.
KD cooks up delicious Brooklyn return | 00:49
INDIANA PACERS
Pacers receive: Jerami Grant
Trail Blazers receive: Buddy Hield, Bennedict Mathurin, first-round pick, second-round pick
The Pacers already made arguably the biggest splash of any team by acquiring Pascal Siakam. So are they done yet? ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski interestingly revealed after the Siakam trade that the Pacers tried to get both Siakam and OG Anunoby, but were unable to meet the asking price set by the Raptors. It means Indiana could yet look to make another big move by the deadline, plus they have the assets and trade-friendly contracts to make it happen. Portland’s Jerami Grant, despite talk he isn’t available, would be the ideal addition as an upgrade on the wing who could fit in as the Pacers’ third star – a role he’s most suited to – alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Siakam. Given the Blazers’ reluctance to deal him (even though it makes sense), the Pacers would need to stump up in a deal. Grant would provide valuable two-way production on the wing, in particular on the defensive end, where the Pacers would be desperate to boost their No. 26 rating and become a legitimate contender in the East.
LA CLIPPERS
Clippers receive: PJ Washington
Hornets receive: PJ Tucker, Mason Plumlee, first-round pick
Much like Denver – there’s probably no necessity for the Clippers to make a move. For LA has virtually no draft capital to trade (next six first rounders are owed out from the Paul George/James Harden), nor do they need to do anything after taking their big swing on Harden in a move that’s paid massive dividends, having gone 24-6 over their last 30 games. Even the Clippers’ defence is ranked No. 8 in the NBA in their last 15 games, so it’s not like they need to address anything specific in a great spot to be. The Harden trade did however cost the Clippers a key chunk of their forward depth – they lost Robert Covington, Nic Batum, Marcus Morris Sr. and KJ Martin – so they could use some additional depth and a legitimate stretch five to play with their stars. It makes Washington an obvious target, with the Clippers here handing over their last remaining tradeable first-round pick and $16 million in expiring funds if PJ Tucker opts out of the last year of his $11 million deal (which you’d expect he did if he got traded to Charlotte). Tucker could also immediately reach a buyout with the Hornets to sign with a contender.
LA LAKERS
Lakers receive: Dejounte Murray
Hawks receive: Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, Lakers’ two first-round picks
Pelicans receive: D’Angelo Russell
A three-team trade! The Lakers are the side that have reportedly been most active in talks for Dejounte Murray – talks that however hit a snag, with the Hawks wanting either Austin Reaves to be included in a deal or a third team to take on D’Angelo Russell. Enter New Orleans, who are in need of a more pure point guard despite CJ McCollum currently filling the position. The Pelicans substitute some of their depth to address that need, the Lakers, despite Russell’s strong play of late, get a clear upgrade at point guard and genuine two-way player, while Atlanta gets useful pieces and draft stock for Murray (and probably can’t expect too much more). Who says no? Despite the Lakers’ urgency to make another win-now move to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they could wait until the off-season given the team unlocks the option of trading three-first round picks to target an even bigger fish.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Grizzlies receive: Jonathan Isaac, two second-round picks
Magic receive: Luke Kennard
The soft tanking/asset building continues in what’s become a write-off season for the Grizzlies including campaign-ending shoulder injury to Ja Morant as well as Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart also facing long-term stints on the sidelines. And so everything Memphis does now should be with an eye towards the 2024/25 season, leaving veterans like Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Xavier Tillman Sr vulnerable in a trade if it can get draft capital back or cap space otherwise. The much-improved Magic should be prepared to stump up for a shooter given they have the worst three-point shooting efficiency in the NBA – making Kennard a natural target. Isaac’s $17 million deal is non guaranteed for next season, so the Grizzlies in this deal could open up sufficient cap space in the off-season and add to their chest of second-round picks – having landed three from Houston last week in the Steven Adams deal.
MIAMI HEAT
Heat receive: Alex Caruso
Bulls receive: Josh Richardson, Nikola Jovic, first-round pick
Is there a player who would be more suited to the infamous ‘Heat Culture’ than Caruso? The Terry Rozier was trade was supposed to take the Heat to another level, but the’ve in fact gone the other way and struggled badly since the guard’s arrival. While Miami could easily stand still and work things out as is, don’t be surprised if it has another move up its sleeve. Bringing in Caruso would not only be a big upgrade on Josh Richardson, but also provide more of a defensive balance in the backourt staggered with Rozier and Tyler Herro – and create a healthy dilemma of which two players get to start. Miami is fully committed to winning now, and adding Caruso to the playoff mix would only further make Erik Spoelstra’s side even more feared come playoff time. Seriously, no one would want to play them.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Bucks receive: Matisse Thybulle
Trail Blazers receive: Pat Connaughton, AJ Green, second-round pick
There’s been reports the Bucks are in the market for Dejounte Murray, but it feels unrealistic given their lack of trade capital – they have no control over their own first-round picks for the next season drafts and even limited second rounders to play with. As nice as Murray would be, bringing in a dedicated defensive perimeter stopper at a cheaper price to play alongside Damian Lillard feels the more likely – and arguably best – scenario to help off-set the loss of Jrue Holiday. Despite his offensive deficiencies, Thybulle makes plenty of sense for the Bucks to help boost their near bottom 10 defensive rating and to provide more versatility to their line-up. While it’s hard to gauge the dual American-Australian’s value, a team might be able to get Thybulle cheap-ish given his offensive issues.
NBA Wrap: Hot Curry dismantles Philly | 03:56
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Timberwolves receive: Monte Morris
Pistons receive: Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr.
The Timberwolves would love a more reliable backup point guard – and some insurance behind the 36-year old Mike Conley. Tyus Jones would be the dream target, however the Timberwolves likely don’t have the draft capital required to satisfy Washington in a deal unless the asking price lowers. Minnesota likely needs to look a tier down, with Morris one of the best value backup point guards who’s gettable. Reports have linked Minnesota, whose general manager Tim Connelly drafted Morris in Denver, to the 28-year old, in the final year of a three-season $27 million deal. It feels like the Pistons are selling Morris cheap here – and they’d probably want a pick thrown – though he’s battle injury in recent times and about to become a free agent. Plus Detroit gets a couple of veterans to help nurture its young group.
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Pelicans receive: Tyus Jones
Wizards receive: Larry Nance Jr, Jose Alvarado, first-round pick
Could this be the move that tips the Pelicans over as a legitimate contender in the West? Though they could also use an upgrade at centre, adding a pure point guard could unlock everything for the Pelicans, given their array of weapons lack a true playmaker running the show. Jones is known to be on the trade block and feels like the most likely Wizard to be moved, on an expiring $14 million deal. Some reports have claimed Washington wants two first rounders back in a trade, plus there will be a host of teams ling up to land the 27-year old, so New Orleans would need to make a juicy offer despite Jones’ impending free agency status. There would however be obvious defensive deficiencies in the backcourt given the lack of size of a Jones and McCollum. Size is one of the Pels’ greatest strengths too, so Jones could also slot into a sixth-man role. Given New Orleans’ logjam of guards, it’d be pretty well be forced to give one back to Washington, with Alvarado seemingly the most expendable.
NEW YORK KNICKS
Knicks receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Evan Fournier, first-round pick
The missing piece? If the Knicks are serious about trying to win it all this season, which, based on form, they should be, but staying flexible long-term, this might just be their best play. Recent reports have claimed New York has cooled on Brown, who, like Fournier, has a team option for next season, and that the Knicks are eyeing a bigger fish. But who else is available that can really propel them? Perhaps Dejounte Murray – but is he worth the price when the Knicks could wait it out in hopes that a certain guard for the Cavaliers becomes available? DeMar DeRozan? Maybe, but he’d also come at a greater price and it’s hard to say if he’d genuinely take them to the next level or if they’d be wasting assets on a short-term rental. The Knicks are also reportedly circling Jordan Clarkson, but he’s got three more years to run on his deal and thus would give New York less flexibility to target a bigger fish down the line. It feels like Brown, who can play multiple roles and buys in on both ends of the floor, and New York could be an ideal match and is the type of player Tom Thibedou would love. It’d also be the second trade between these teams in as many months after the Anunoby for RJ Barrett/Immanuel Quickley swap, which was of course the Knicks’ big swing, so they might well stand pat this week. But it’s also opened the need for more scoring and playmaking, making Brown an obvious target.
Giddey’s Thunder succumb to Timberwolves | 00:36
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Thunder receive: Nic Claxton
Nets receive: Davis Bertans, two first-round picks
If the Nets aren’t keen to pay Claxton, who’s due for a bumper raise this off-season – when he comes out of contract – the Thunder should be ready to strike. There’s been calls for OKC to add more size and a seasoned body to pair with Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt, while the Thunder would ideally find someone who fits the age demographic of the rest of their budding core. It makes Claxton a natural target. Sam Presti is armed with a bounty of draft picks, and you’d think he’d need to hand over a minimum of two in exchange for Claxton. If pure picks didn’t satisfy the Nets, who don’t appear to be keen to rebuild, there could however be a potential issue in terms of making salaries match in a deal for the $9 million Claxton. Bertans’ $17 million deal is clearly OKC’s most movable piece and gets it done in a straight swap, but Brooklyn wanting other player/s would really complicate matters. Vasilije Micić ($7 million deal) and Tre Mann ($3 million) could also be used separately, while the Nets would probably prefer a package centred around Josh Giddey, but it’s hard to see the Thunder parting ways with the Aussie young gun just yet.
ORLANDO MAGIC
Magic receive: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Hawks receive: Jonathan Isaac, first-round pick
While Bogdanovic isn’t considered to be on the trade block, he’d be an ideal target for the Magic, who rank dead last in the NBA in three-point shooting efficiency. This is of course a much-improved Orlando side that is now looking to round its squad with veterans and would be desperate to add shooting alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Would say Isaac’s non-guaranteed deal (basically $17 million in cap space) and a first-round pick interest Atlanta if it was ready to waive the white flag on this season? It’s not far from the type of haul the Hawks would get back in a Dejounte Murray trade, so would they be better served instead moving a bench player then reassessing their direction in the off-season? Orlando has a host of other pieces it could dangle including Gary Harris and Cole Anthony.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Sixers receive: Bruce Brown
Raptors receive: Marcus Morris Sr., Jaden Springer, two-second round picks
Fair to say news that Joel Embiid requires surgery has changed everything for Philadelphia, who reports throughout the season linked the team to the likes of Pascal Siakam, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine. You sense the Sixers would however now be keen to take all their assets into the off-season and gear up for the 2024/25 campaign, plus the team, as constructed, has space to sign a max contract-level star in a rare spot to be for one of the chief contenders. Some have argued Philly could target a starting calibre centre to replace Embiid, but that feels like a waste of resources from a bigger picture perspective. The Sixers could otherwise still consider trading a collection of their expiring deals for an upgraded player also on an expiring as something of a mini swing – provided it doesn’t cost many additional assets – if they’re confident Embiid can get back at some stage. If things continue to go south for the Raptors and Brown’s market cools down, could Philly pry him for effectively two second-round picks and give up Jaden Springer? Springer’s $4 million deal for 2024/25 and Embiid’s $51 million deal are Philly’s only guaranteed contracts for next season, so the team could talk itself into a deal it opened up more cap space (albeit $4 million) and kept all its first rounders. This is more food for thought though, as it feels more likely the Sixers stand still at the deadline and hold all their picks with their superstar centre’s season potentially over.
Bucks fall short in Rivers’ first game | 01:18
PHOENIX SUNS
Suns receive: Miles Bridges
Hornets receive: Nassir Little, Josh Okogie, three second-round picks
Scary areas for the rest of the NBA. It’s hard to think a trade like this could go through, but reports have stated the two teams are in active discussions over a Bridges trade, so all indications are a deal is looming. It comes despite Phoenix having virtually no assets other than a handful of second-rounders it picked up last off-season, so it’d literally be all-in on this roster. You suspect a Suns package would centre around Little and a collection of those picks, and the fact that’s the likely framework is a showing of how much Bridges’ value has dropped amid his off-court transgressions despite a strong season on the court, averaging over 20 points per game. The forward is playing on a one-year, $7 million deal and set to become a free agent at the end of the season. From a basketball perspective, it’s hard to say how Bridges would fit into Phoenix as juicy it sounds from a fantasy basketball mentality. The Suns would have some seriously potent small ball line-ups to double down on their high-octane offence, but the bigger question marks on them are on the other end of the floor. Plus it’d all come down to how Bridges buys into a different role than the one he currently has in Charlotte.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Trail Blazers receive: Even Fournier, Quintin Grimes, first-round pick
Knicks receive: Malcolm Brogdon
The deadline should be pretty simple for the rebuilding Blazers – trade Brogdon for the best possible package. Portland has done a great job building up his trade value by showcasing the always consistent Brogdon to potential buyers. But the Blazers priority should now be selling high and bringing in long-term assets – ideally a first-round pick and another young piece to put with their young core – while handing the starting point guard duties to Scoot Henderson. Here, the Blazers convince the Knicks to give up Fournier (to make salaries match), Grimes as well as a first-round pick, though New York would push to keep Grimes. But this deal is intended to favour to Blazers, who would also open up salary cap space with Fournier’s non-guanteed money for next season. There’s also been suggestions Portland should look to trade Jerami Grant, but the team doesn’t appear to be keen to.
SACRAMENTO KINGS
Kings receive: Kyle Kuzma
Wizards receive: Harrison Barnes, Davion Mitchell, first-round pick
Sacramento gets the forward upgrade it needs without selling the farm. Kuzma doesn’t solve all the Kings’ problems, but better than Barnes at both ends of the floor and would be well suited to Mike Brown’s up-tempo style. Sacramento would suddenly boast a starting line-up of De’Aron Fox, Kevin Huerter, Kuzma, Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis in what would be a real handful for any team. Does this make the Kings a contender to come out of the West? Probably not. Does this make the Kings better overall and in a better position in the off-season with more talent on their roster? Almost certainly.
Simmons shines in explosive Nets return | 01:15
SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Spurs receive: Chuma Okeke, second-round pick
Magic receive: Cedi Osman
While the Spurs have been linked to Dejounte Murray, they’re likely better served trusting the process – to steal a phrase from a rival organisation – and sticking with the youth movement. That means selling their veterans for long-term assets – either young players or picks – with the likes of Doug McDermott, DeVonte Graham, Cedi Osman, Zach Collins the types they should be willing to explore moves for. Though the aforementioned names likely wouldn’t yield the Spurs much more than second-round picks, the above idea would at least give San Antonio another draft asset, while Orlando brings in another shooter. Given both Okeke and Osman are on expiring deals, that’d be a win for San Antonio. Yes, not the most exciting deal, and the Spurs would ideally bring in a young player currently devoid of opportunities, but you sense this is the most realistic play the team should pursue.
TORONTO RAPTORS
Raptors receive: Davis Bertans, first-round pick
Thunder receive: Bruce Brown
Much like Portland with Brogdon, it’s operation get the best package available for Bruce Brown — or dance with whoever is willing to hand over a first-round pick. The Raptors only recently acquired Brown in the Pascal Siakam trade with the intention of forwarding him to a contender by the deadline. Assuming the reported key Brown suitors like the Lakers and Knicks pursue other moves, the Thunder could be a sneaky team to watch in the Brown sweepstakes given their bounty of picks, plus Bertans’ contract for next season is only $5 million guaranteed. And so the Raptors would open up a ton of cap space in the off-season and add a first-round pick, while the Thunder get another piece to help their playoff push at a cheap-ish price. A win-win.
UTAH JAZZ
Jazz receive: Markelle Fultz, first-round pick
Magic receive: Jordan Clarkson
Are the Jazz buyers or sellers? It’s to hard to tell. But unless they can make a move for another genuine star who will help take them to another level, which, it doesn’t feel like there’s one out there, their best option is flipping one of their parts to add to their suite of picks. Sure, Utah has turned its season around to sit well and truly in the playoff mix, but it’s also created strong trade appeal with the team’s veterans. Taking on Fultz’ expiring $17 million deal would also open up cap space for the off-season. It’s worth noting that the Jazz owes the Thunder a first-round pick this year (top 10 protected), so unless Utah is really bad, its top pick this year is likely going out the door.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Wizards receive: Gabe Vincent, Maxwell Lewis, first-round pick
Lakers receive: Tyus Jones
If the Wizards can move Jones for a useful player like Gabe Vincent, and most importantly, a first-round pick, they should pull the trigger. It’s worth noting Jones, despite being one of the most sought after players at the deadline, is on an expiring deal and due to become a free agent, so it’s unlikely teams get silly and overpay for the guard (though this is the NBA) with much more than this. If the Lakers fail to land a bigger name, you’d expect something like this to interest them and have Jones come in and run their second unit. Kyle Kuzma is on also on the trade block, but Washington would only part ways with the forward for a big price.
